There are two main types of tomato plants. They are Determinate and Indeterminate.

The Different Types of Tomato Plants have different characteristics and have to be treated a little differently.

Determinate grows to a certain height, usually three to four feet and then growing stops. During that time the budding and flowering mostly occur with a short period of time that is it has a shorter growing season. This type of plant does not have to be caged or staked but depending upon the variety sometimes they do need support to keep branches from splitting, to keep them off of the ground and to keep healthier.

Indeterminate can grow to six or seven feet and even higher. Its buds and flowers start earlier than the determinate and continue to flower and bear fruit for a much longer time.

This type must be caged or staked or the plant can fall to the ground or side branches can bend down and split and will need extra support for the fruit.

Tomato plants grow suckers or extra branches in the bend where the branch meets the stem.

The Determinate type of tomato plant grows extra branches between the main branches and the stem .They can be pinched back or off, although not as necessary in this type I may take off a couple of the upper ones but leave the lower ones so plant can grow more tomatoes as the plant stops it’s growth at a certain time.

The Indeterminate type of tomato plant also grows the extra branches between the nodes or branches and the stem. You can leave a couple of lower ones on however the upper ones should be removed so more energy goes to the fruit. The first one that should be left on is the one that forms in the node above the first flower. The next ones can stay but above that it is better to take them off.

The earlier you remove them the better because as they are smaller the less the plant loses. Sometimes more than one stem can grow which can also be kept as it will grow more fruit. Treat it the same way. The lower leaves should be removed as the plant gets a little bigger to allow for air flow and it lessens the danger from insects and moisture.

The Indeterminate type of plant should also be topped or cut at the top late in the season to stop its upward growth and to allow all the nourishment to help the late tomatoes.

There other types of tomato plants such as the Semi Determinant. Sort of a combination of traits from both of the other types. These are some of the tips for growing great tomatoes.

So, When you buy seedlings Read the labels and decide which of the different types of tomato plants is best for you.